MEDITATION RETREAT WITH YOGA PONSONBY, AUCKLAND
Tranquility and Insight
Meditation Retreat (non-residential) with Susan Allen
Dates: 7-11 May 2025 (see below for times)
Join us for this urban meditation and yoga retreat in Ponsonby, central Auckland. Meditation is a journey of discovery; this practice cultivates understanding of how your mind works and offers the possibility of flourishing in this world.
This is a non-residential retreat where participants have the flexibility to find their own accommodation, coming together each day for learning and practice.
– The practice –
Set a new direction for yourself with 5 days of inspiring practice
This meditation retreat offers 5 days of meditation practice and discussion in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. This is an opportunity for you to begin a daily meditation practice for life or to advance an existing practice with fresh ideas and strategies. These meditation retreats are usually mixed level from beginners to more advanced practitioners, all are welcome.
The retreat is hosted by one of NZ’s most experienced meditation and yoga teachers, Susan Allen. Suze has been teaching meditation for 22 years and has an authentic passion for sharing this transformative practice with others.
Meditation will change your life, it is a tool for developing calmness of mind, a poise of character. Through the practice we gain insight into how our mind works; we find a path that facilitates the flourishing of all mental traits
What will we be practicing?
The meditation practices and discussion will have a particular emphasis on cultivating quietness and steadiness in the mind as well as cultivating insights that bring freedom and peace of mind into our everyday life. Tibetan Buddhist meditations value an intelligent and structured approach to investigating ‘What is the mind?’ and consequently frame meditation in a practical and methodical way. You can read more detail about the meditation approach here. The meditation practices will be taken from the Mahamudra and Dzogchen Tibetan Buddhist tradition. These will be presented in a secular, practical fashion.
- Suze's 5 day retreat was amazing. This was my second time around and I found the concentration and insight practices to be really beneficial. Suze creates an inclusive environment which is enjoyable to be a part of. Whether you are a beginner or a more seasoned meditator, this is an incredible retreat to enhance and develop your meditation practice.read moreread lessJames K.8/05/2024I did a 4 day meditation retreat with Suze in Auckland. It exceeded all my expectations. Suze is a wonderful teacher and generous with her knowledge. I Can't recommend highly enough to anyone who is interested in meditation, regardless of your level of experience.read moreread lessCaroline F.8/05/2024Another wonderful retreat with Susan, within a relaxed supportive atmosphere. A very special tool for personal growth, healing & positive change.read moreread lessGabrielle C.7/05/2024
- The 6 day Tranquility and Insight Retreat with Suze was truly life changing. If you are ready to listen, learn and embark on a deep journey, this is for you. Suze is an absolute wealth of knowledge and her delivery of information and practices is truly special. I met some incredible people on this Retreat and I would certainly attend again in the future. Em xread moreread lessEm K.7/05/2024Fantastic meditation retreat. Professionally run, warm environment, Susan is highly experienced, appropriate for beginners as well as those more advanced and very good value for money. I will definitely be attending another course!read moreread lessjane p.7/05/2024I have just come off a 5 day meditation retreat hosted by Susan. I am so grateful to have been a part of it all. Susan is very passionate and it shows in her teaching. She has the ability to create a safe space filled with love and compassion. I have taken home with me a gift of knowledge (a gift that keeps on giving). I am looking forward to putting my learnings into my home meditation practices. If you ever have an opportunity to attend one of Susan's retreats I say go for it! Highly recommend.read moreread lessAdele M.7/05/2024
- Nestled amidst the serene mountains, Susan Allen Meditation Retreat held at Mana Retreat Centre offers a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I recently embarked on a six-day retreat here, seeking solace and a deeper connection with myself through meditation and mindfulness practices. Location and Atmosphere: The retreat is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by lush greenery and towering pine trees. The air is crisp and clean, adding to the overall sense of tranquility. The architecture of the meditation hall and accommodations blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, fostering a peaceful ambiance that is conducive to introspection and relaxation. Accommodations: I stayed in a cozy yet spacious cabin that was impeccably clean and thoughtfully designed. The minimalist décor and comfortable furnishings provided a perfect sanctuary for contemplation and rest. The sound of rustling leaves and occasional birdsong outside the window added to the calming atmosphere. Meditation Sessions: Led by experienced instructor Susan Allen, the meditation sessions were the highlight of my retreat experience. The schedule was well-planned, with sessions ranging from guided meditations to silent contemplation periods. Each session was designed to deepen our practice and foster mindfulness, helping us cultivate a sense of inner peace and clarity. Food and Dining: The meals at Mana retreat were a delightful surprise. Served buffet-style, the vegetarian cuisine was not only nutritious but also delicious, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The dining area offered panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, providing a serene backdrop for mindful eating and reflection. Activities and Facilities: In addition to meditation, the retreat offered optional activities such as yoga sessions, massages, nature walks, and evening discussions on mindfulness. The facilities, including a sauna and outdoor meditation spaces, were well-maintained and enhanced the overall retreat experience. Community and Support: One of the most rewarding aspects of the retreat was the sense of community fostered among participants. Through group discussions and shared experiences, I felt supported and inspired on my journey towards self-discovery and personal growth. Conclusion: Susan Allen’s Meditation Retreat exceeded my expectations in every way. From the breathtaking natural surroundings to the well-crafted meditation sessions and nourishing meals, every detail was thoughtfully curated to create a transformative experience. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or new to mindfulness practices, this retreat offers a welcoming space to reconnect with yourself and find inner peace. I left feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to retreat into stillness at Mana retreat centre. If you're seeking a retreat that combines relaxation, mindfulness, and natural beauty, I highly recommend Susan Allen Meditation Retreat. It's an investment in your well-being that yields invaluable returns long after you leave its serene embrace. Please check her website www.retreats.nz for more informationread moreread lessPradeep M.7/05/2024My heart feels very full after spending the last 5 days with Suze at her meditation retreat. I’m still integrating a lot of what I learned, but the most powerful insight for me has been the purpose behind my practice. Suze helped me understand what I am a part of, and how lucky I am to be a part of it. I have been opened up to a whole, new awareness and I feel so grateful and full of love. Thank you Suze. You, your knowledge and your passion is such a gift.read moreread lessBree N.7/05/2024I did a 6 day meditation retreat with Susan and found it incredibly beneficial. I already had my own meditation practice but wanted to deepen it. Susan had all the knowledge and skills to help me with that. Susan has a very calm, carefully paced, intelligent, and well structured approach to teaching. I am really hoping to establish an ongoing teacher-student relationship with her in the future. Arohanui, Karen.read moreread lessKaren N.7/05/2024
- I’ve just come back from a five day meditation retreat at Mana with Suze from Retreats NZ. I’m feeling positive, spacious in my body and mind. And attuned to my body as a whole energy field I’m excited about all the tools I’ve learnt and how I can weave these into my daily practise. The techniques that we leant from Suze are essentially old wisdom that’s been passed through teacher/ student with reverence and precision that made me alert through the delivery of content. It has created a deep respect and desire for keeping these practises alive, and bear witness to how these contribute to a loving life. Thank you Suze What a wonderful offering. Zoëread moreread lessZoë W.6/10/2024Recently attended the Meditation Retreat at Mana with Suze. Suze passion in teaching the meditation is very inspiring. It is a healing experience for me and I am very grateful for Suze's guidance throughout the practices.read moreread lessMaria E.6/10/2024Mana is a hidden gem, one of those retreats you feel so incredibly lucky you stubbled across. Susan Allen and her 6 day Meditation Retreat has set me up on a beautiful trajectory towards a very ancient practice. Meditation for me now is as important as taking your first breathe, it's revitalizing and life changing and who better to introduce you...Susan. Her ability to teach such a complex minding blowing tradition - it's an incredible gift. Thank-you so very much, I highly recommend trying it - you wont regret it!!! Mana Retreat is set in idyllic native bush with a beautiful sanctuary. There are weekends of yoga or weeks of Meditation all here in the beautiful coromandel.read moreread lessLucy v.6/05/2024
- Its as if i was wearing bifocals before this retreat and now i have 20:20 vision. Susan has the most incredible knowledge, demeanour and warmth. I couldn't meditate for 5 minutes beforehand and now i look forward to meditating each day.read moreread lessSimon5/17/2024Had such an amazing time! Susan is an excellent teacher, and has truly inspired me.read moreread lessSamantha P.4/24/2024Excellent! Through attending this meditation retreat, I have been able to establish a daily mediation practice, which is having a hugely positive impact on my relationships, work and play :).read moreread lessCharlotte M.4/24/2024
The mind is the ground for suffering or for liberation.
The mind absolutely and completely shapes our experience of life. In this retreat we will explore how the mind fabricates our experience. To explain this, imagine this scene –
Someone criticises you for not completing a task the way they would have done it. If you are in a buoyant and happy mood you shrug off their criticism and don’t let it bother you. If you are tired and grumpy then you might really react to their criticism, taking it to heart, and getting caught up in some story about how people don’t like you or value you, or whatever your version of the story is you often fall into. This is an example of how the mind constructs, or we say fabricates, our experience. Our happiness depends on how the mind reacts to our experience. Once we understand that every moment of our life is dependent on how the mind fabricates our experience, the path, the way out of this bondage becomes visible.
– Dates and Pricing –
Dates
7-11 May, 2025
Day 1: Weds. 7th May, 5.30 – 8.30pm
Day 2-5: Thurs. 8th, Fri. 9th, Sat. 10th, Sun. 11th June, 9am – 6pm
Location
The Life Centre – 88 Jervois Rd, Ponsonby, Auckland, NZ
Pricing
Tuition per person for the 5 day program –
Early Bird price, available until 1st March 2025 – $950
Full price, if registered after 1st March 2025 – $1,080
Payment is required to register a spot. A payment plan is available on request.
What is included? This is a non-residential retreat. Participants need to find their own accommodation locally. Price includes all meditation and yoga instruction as well as audio recordings of selected practices to take away. Tea, coffee and refreshments are included. Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch and stay at the centre during the breaks. There are many local cafes, parks and beaches within walking distance to enjoy in the breaks.
This is a non-residential retreat. The first evening is an introduction and then for the four full days participants will arrive for a 9am start each day and finish at 5pm. The days will consist of 4 meditation practice and discussion sessions with several breaks in between. There will be yoga in the morning for those that wish to participate. Light refreshments will be given in the breaks (no meals provided). This style of meditation retreat is to make it more accessible price wise and flexibility wise for those that cannot take a longer period of time away from home.
Another advantage of a non-residential retreat is we are working with the habitual state of mind and the familiar experience of daily life to create insight. It is not necessary to create an artificial, silent environment to do this.
Booking process terms and conditions
1. The full tuition fee is required to make a booking. Early bird pricing available up until 1st March, 2025.
2. Register by clicking the ‘Register Now’ button to pay with a credit card. If you would prefer to pay by bank transfer you can contact us to do so.
3. If you cancel your booking before 1st April, 2025 your payment minus a non-refundable $200 admin deposit will be refunded.
4. If you cancel your booking, for whatever reason, including sickness, after 1st April, 2025 no refund will be given but you are able to transfer it to someone else of your finding, or someone on the waitlist if there is one.
Meditation will change your life forever. Learning this practice is one of life's greatest gifts to yourself
Susan Allen who is leading the retreat is the founder of Yoga Ground, studios in Auckland and Wanaka, New Zealand. She also owns Entering the Stream, a world class online yoga and meditation platform and The Yoga Transition, a yoga teacher mentorship business. Read more about Susan here.
Retreats NZ | susan@theyogatransition.com | +64-21-222-6550
Retreats NZ susan@theyogatransition.com
+64-21-222-6550